Washoe Tribe uses cultural burning to restore forests, traditional plants

The Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California is reviving cultural burning practices to restore forest health and support traditional crafts. Controlled burns near Dresslerville, Nevada, encourage the regrowth of willow, essential for the tribe's basket making, while also reducing wildfire risks. Rhiana Jones, director of the tribe’s environmental protection department, highlighted the burns' impact, noting straighter willow regrowth. These efforts blend cultural traditions with environmental restoration.